Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

CHAPTER 32: NOW WE'RE MORE THAN FRIENDS

*Sneek Peak*

A rough hand reached out and grabbed the half full glass of dark whiskey. The motion was out of momentum as the contents of the drink spilled over the pulled open food tray besides him. Lan Qiren was visibly still seething inside as he gulped down the burning spirit in one go and ordered an immediate refill. He readjusted the ever choking tie, loosening it as he proceeded with the second gulp and groaned internally. Damn it! It was getting harder and harder each day to control that blasted boy. He, more than anyone else acknowledged that Lan Zhan had never been an ordinary or easy child to raise to begin with but now it seemed to be more prevalent and he feared that the behaviour would only grow. No matter how many times he scolded or punished, that damn boy just wouldn't bend to his will and that fact alone made Lan Qiren restless enough that he couldn't sleep at times. The problem was that he didn't understand him at all. He had no idea what he thought, wanted, did! He was a complete mystery yet he was his son!!! He didn't react as expected and never shared what he truly meant rather behaved in cunning ways that frustrated him to the core. It also didn't help that with each passing a day, he was growing more and more like that woman both physically and personality-wise. Even beyond the grave, Xiao Ling still had a hold on him! He sighed loudly before taking another shot and leaned back on the plane chair. As much as he was having a family crisis, Lan Qiren was still going on this trip. Everyone knew that his first priority was his company above everything else.

'No. Get yourself together Lan Qiren! You are the Master of this family!!' he suddenly reprimanded himself. He would not allow Lan Zhan to have his way and act out anymore. It didn't matter how but he would make him submit no matter the cost. Lan Zhan will be under his control for the sake of this family's sustainability and balance. Lan Qiren would make sure to keep him under his foot for as long as he lived...... Yet, another voice inside pleaded, warned him from a far.

'Be careful Lan Qiren,' It said, 'Lest you lose another family member. Do not forget what happened the last time you pushed someone too far.'

His body shivered as he recalled the past but he brushed it aside. 'No! That was not his fault. Xiao Ling had made her choice and he couldn't be blamed for it. Besides, Lan Zhan was different. He was way stronger than that woman, that he was sure of. No way would he succumb to such a fate.' he argued back. No, he wouldn't back down. Once this trip was over, Lan Qiren would show Lan Zhan who the boss was. Enough of the cat and mouse game. There was only one King in that household and he would make sure to remind them who it was.
~To be continued~

What are your theories about Lan Zhan's mother and why do you think Lan Qiren is sooo desparate to control Lan Zhan?! Comment after, now back to the story.

It was almost a week before Lan Zhan recovered though not fully. He still had trouble walking properly and couldn't bend his knees at all. Most of the times he could be found lying down for hours on end and though it greatly annoyed him, he knew he couldn't afford to push his body beyond what he could bare. Moreover, he was also recovering from fatigue and fever.

     After Xichen had brought him over to his house, Lan Zhan had succumbed to a very bad case of fever and body-induced stress. His breathing had fallen soo low that it was almost undetectable, his body burned for hours and his blood pressure fluctuated back and forth since he had not eaten or drank any thing that morning of the punishment. He had gone through a very tough time in the first 3 days but fortunately by the 5th day he had managed to be much better all thanks to his brother. Honestly, he felt very indebted and guilty towards Xichen since he had been forced to look after him despite having his own injuries as well. No matter how many times Xichen had reassured him that he was fine, Lan Zhan knew how much back whips stung especially those from father. After all, he had been a recipient of them once a while back. However, despite all that, Xichen did not move from his side the whole time and had taken a risk of getting infection. Luckily, he was treated in time thanks to the family physician their step-mother had brought in on the 3rd day.